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Test platforms overview for .NET

In .NET, a test framework and a test platform are different components that work together to discover and run tests.

  • The test framework defines the test model you write against, such as MSTest, NUnit, xUnit.net, or TUnit.
  • The test platform runs tests, integrates with IDEs and CLI, and provides shared extension points.

You can choose between two test platforms:

  • VSTest
  • Microsoft.Testing.Platform (MTP)

Warning

Don't mix VSTest and Microsoft.Testing.Platform test projects in the same repository run configuration.

Choose one platform for your repository test workflow, and configure test projects, CI, and tooling consistently for that platform.

How to choose your platform

Use the following scenarios to choose quickly.

Use case Choose Why
You need Native AOT or trimming test execution scenarios. Microsoft.Testing.Platform MTP supports these modern deployment scenarios, while VSTest doesn't.
You need to mix .NET tests and non-.NET test adapters (for example JavaScript or C++ adapters). VSTest VSTest supports mixed-language adapter scenarios, while MTP is .NET-specific.
You want test projects to behave like regular executables (dotnet run, direct executable run, dotnet watch, and startup-project F5 flows). Microsoft.Testing.Platform MTP is executable-first, so test apps run like standard .NET apps in local and CI workflows.
You rely on long-established integrations across Microsoft and non-Microsoft tooling. VSTest VSTest has the longest compatibility track record across existing products, tasks, and pipelines.
You prioritize reproducibility and tighter control of extension loading across machines. Microsoft.Testing.Platform MTP favors explicit, build-time extension registration, which reduces machine-dependent behavior from dynamically discovered components and can simplify security review.
You need a minimal core with optional features that you can disable per environment. Microsoft.Testing.Platform MTP uses a lightweight core with opt-in extensions. If an extension introduces unsupported dependencies or version conflicts in a specific environment, you can remove or disable that extension.
You prefer strict defaults and explicit behavior. Microsoft.Testing.Platform MTP favors deterministic execution with explicit checks. For example, it can fail when no tests run, reduce environment-dependent variability, and avoid implicit discovery and execution heuristics.
You prefer softer, broad backward-compatible defaults. VSTest VSTest prioritizes compatibility-oriented defaults for diverse, existing toolchains.
You are blocked by a VSTest-specific issue or behavior in your current workflow. Microsoft.Testing.Platform In many scenarios, the same workflow isn't affected when moved to MTP because of differences in runtime model and extension architecture.

If your specific use case isn't listed, both platforms are valid choices.

Integration and tooling support

Integration area VSTest Microsoft.Testing.Platform
IDE integration Mature integration across Visual Studio and other tools that depend on VSTest protocol and adapters. Supported in Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code scenarios, with ongoing integration work in parts of the ecosystem.
CI and external tools Broad support across long-established Microsoft and non-Microsoft tools and tasks. In Azure DevOps, you can use either the VSTest task (VSTest@3, vstest.console) or the .NET task (DotNetCoreCLI@2, dotnet test). Works in CI and modern .NET workflows, but some third-party integrations might still lag behind VSTest. In Azure DevOps, use the .NET task (DotNetCoreCLI@2, dotnet test).
dotnet test behavior Default VSTest mode. VSTest arguments and behavior apply. Native MTP mode is available in .NET 10 SDK and later. Before .NET 10 SDK, MTP ran through VSTest mode with limitations (TestingPlatformDotnetTestSupport, plus the extra -- argument separator).

For complete details about dotnet test modes and arguments, see Testing with dotnet test.

Start from your test framework

If you choose VSTest

If you choose Microsoft.Testing.Platform

Next steps

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